First Aid Kits
Requirements
First aid kits are necessary to ensure that responders have adequate supplies and protection available to them. Kits must be available, even if there are no specific employment-related injuries expected. Environmental Health & Safety does not supply kits; departments must provide kits for their areas and ensure that they are adequately stocked with supplies.
Kit contents
Although OSHA does not list specific content requirements for first aid kits, there are general guidelines available for minimum supplies.
- 4"x8" absorbent compress(es)
- Band-aids
- Medical tape
- Antiseptic applications
- Burn treatment applications
- Triple antibiotic ointment applications
- 3"x3" sterile pads
- Exam gloves
- Triangle bandage
- Eye pads
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- CPR mask(s)
First aid kits can be tailored to the type of injury anticipated in any given work area, for example, machine shops should consider additional absorbent compresses for bleeding control, material handling - tweezers or a splinter removal kit, dining programs - burn applications, etc. First aid kits should not contain oral medications.
Location
First aid kits should be generally available to the work area. Personnel should not have to travel through several doorways, hallways, and/or stairways to access supplies. It is recommended that each chemical and biological laboratory, shop area, and vehicle for personnel who work in various locations, have a kit immediately available.